Should I talk to IC?

[fubballo]

I was injured at work and have been receiving workers comp for a few weeks. The insurance company claim rep in charge of my claim keeps wanting me to call her every time I see my doctor and tell her what he said and how long I'll be off work. Doesn't my employer give the insurance company this information? Also, when I've called her she badgers me about getting back to work and wants me to tell the MD I want to go back to work. Is this normal practice? Do I have to talk to her? The Occupational Health case manager at my work said the insurance person is "so nice" and I should talk to her, but the Occupational Health case manager is also badgering me about getting back to work. She wants me to call her or see her, too, after every appointment. So every time I see the doctor I have to talk to both of these women who insist I should be telling my doctor to release me for work ASAP. I'm going to physical therapy and have strict restrictions on what I can/cannot do right now, I simply could not do my job at this time.

[1171]

if you are represented by an atty then all contact will go thru your atty.

you can have the ladies speak directly with the doctors office and have the doctor put the information in writing to you, the employer, and the carrier. they can work together to come up with a practical modified/light work program.

modified work and early return to work programs are very common and can reduce the financial impact of a serious injury.

[fubballo]

Thanks but there is no "modified" work I can do at my job, my employer already told me so. I have to be at 100% to do my job, which was stated by both my MD and therapist who know what my job is and also have a written job description stating where I have to be physically to do my work. My MD already sends forms at every visit to the Occupational Health Dept of which I also receive a copy. Every time so far it has stated no work at this time. I do physical work and I'm in charge of the welfare of other people.

[1171]

you may have some rights under ADA if the employer will not discuss job modifications or reasonable accommodations:
http://www.ada.gov/

[fubballo]

Um, you write as though my doc said I can go back to work, he didn't, I'm on NO work right now due to my injury. NO weight bearing, NO lifting, etc.., you sound like you work for an insurance company. Who are you "1171"? I tried to see what your experience is in this field but your profile has nothing in it. Does anyone else answer questions here?

[jayne]

its ok fubballo 1171 is a direct person...a just the facts only......the rest of us are here for the rest..... it is easier if you can go back to work doing something...anything.... it keeps you from getting depressed so badly.....sometimes employers dont want you back till you are 100% they feel you may get hurt worse....those type normally wont give you your job back once your released back to duty either unless you are 100%.....dont jump 1171 for being right thats my job and I enjoy it so much.......

[Timothy Belt]

A state would help since the laws vary somewhat from state to state.